In ancient times there were but two methods of encaustic2186 painting, in wax and on ivory,2187 with the cestrum or pointed graver. When, however, this art came to be applied to the painting of ships of war, a third method was adopted, that of melting the wax colours and laying them on with a brush, while hot.2188 Painting of this nature,2189 applied to vessels, will never spoil from the action of the sun, winds, or salt water.